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The Five Takeaways: Flames vs. Sens

by
Torie Peterson
/ Calgary Flames

TAKEAWAY ONE: Lehner the brick wall

Ottawa's goaltending woes have been well documented over the past couple of seasons but if 19 year-old Robin Lehner can consistently play like he did against the Flames, netminding concerns may be a thing of the past.

The rookie was absolutely outstanding, particularly in the first period when the Flames peppered him with 16 shots. During Calgary's first power play, Lehner was forced to stop several excellent scoring chances including a highlight reel save on Brendan Morrison.

After stoning the Flames on three shots from close range, the puck bounced to Morrison at the side of the net. The veteran immediately wired a shot and Lehner, who was still caught on the other side of the crease, somehow managed to throw his body into the air and made the pad save.

TAKEAWAY TWO: Ready to play

After missing three games with a lower body injury, Niklas Hagman returned to lineup and immediately had an impact.

After getting in on the forecheck, Hagman led the cycle in the Senators zone. When Robyn Regehr got ahold of the puck, he faked a shot before passing it off to Hagman, who was circling in the slot. The Finn sent a hard wrist on net and Lehner wasn't able to hold on to it. The puck bounced to Tim Jackman at the side of the net and he snapped it in to open the scoring.

Hagman had one point, a +1 rating and two shots on net in 11:27 of ice time.

TAKEAWAY THREE: Heating up

Olli Jokinen's offensive output has similar to a roller coaster this season but it looks like the Finn is on the upswing. Jokinen notched career points 600 and 601 on Monday night and then added 602 against the Senators when he scored his 10th goal of the season.

The goal came after Jokinen made a great heads-up play. Skating high into the slot, Jokinen opted to pass off to Curtis Glencross when he saw Lehner had a clear view of a potential shot. The move paid off as Lehner dived over to the side of the net, anticipating a Glencross one-timer. The winger passed it back to Jokinen for an easy tap-in.

Jokinen ended the game with a goal and an assist and three shots on net in 15:46.

TAKEAWAY FOUR: Best as a Flame

Anton Babchuk had his best contest as a Flame, notching three points in the victory. He assisted on Jokinen and Glencross' goals before scoring his seventh goal of the season in the third period with a bomb from the blueline.

He had four shots on net in his 15:40 of ice time.

The blueliner's offensive output wasn't the only area of his game he excelled in. Babchuk blocked a game high six shots and managed the time in his own end very responsibility. He was always in position and was able to clear his own zone quickly when handling the puck.

TAKEAWAY FIVE: No Tanguay, no problem

On Wednesday morning, Alex Tanguay disclosed he had a slight neck strain that would keep him out of action for an unknown amount of time. While the Flames did miss their top left winger, the managed without him with their scoring-by-committee attitude.

Eight Flames had points in the victory and all four lines were able to contribute with excellent forechecking shifts. They were able to hold the puck in the offensive zone for extended periods of time and didn't hesitate to put the puck on net, landing 35 shots in total.

Rene Bourque was moved up to the top line in Tanguay's absence. He had two shots on net and had three shots blocked by the Senators. He was a -1 on the night.